Indiana Alternative Teacher Certification

Those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree but did not complete a teacher preparation program may be candidates for an alternative route to teacher certification in Indiana.

Requirements for Alternative Certification

Those seeking an alternative route to teacher certification in Indiana must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must meet the same qualifications as traditional pathway educators to become fully licensed, but may receive additional time to fulfill the requirements while teaching in a classroom setting. Individuals following this pathway usually complete a post-graduate certificate or a master’s degree in education as part of an alternative teacher preparation program.

Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Indiana

Transition to Teaching Program

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree may become certified to teach in Indiana via Transition to Teaching. Transition to Teaching programs are two-semester curriculums that prepare those with bachelor’s degrees in specific content areas to become licensed. Note that Transition to Teaching programs can only qualify candidates to teach at the middle or high school level; those who wish to teach elementary grades must follow a traditional pathway or earn a master’s degree in early childhood or elementary education to gain the necessary credit hours in early childhood education. You can see a list of approved Transition to Teaching programs through the Indiana Department of Education.

Emergency Permit

Emergency Permits may be issued when school districts are not able to fill an open position with a properly licensed educator. These permits are temporary and the holder must demonstrate that he or she is working to meet the standard certification requirements, including completing an approved teacher preparation program, for the content area for which the permit is given.

Testing Requirements for Indiana Alternative Certification

Either before or during completion of a teacher preparation program, candidates for alternative teacher certification in Indiana must take and pass both the Pearson ES Developmental/Pedagogy Exam and the Indiana CORE Academic Skills Assessment (CASA), which measure knowledge in the content areas to be taught. For more information on specific exams required by subject and grade level, consult the Indiana Department of Education teacher testing portal.

Transferring Teaching Licenses from Another State

Those who already hold a teaching license in another state and hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school may apply for a Reciprocal Permit, which is valid for one year and is not renewable. Applicants can begin teaching immediately once the permit is issued but must complete any deficiencies in order to become certified in Indiana within that year. Requirements for an Initial Practitioner Indiana teaching license include posting passing scores on the required tests and making up any educational deficiencies. For more information, visit our guide to teaching license reciprocity or contact the Indiana Department of Education.

Additional Resources

Schools with Alternative Certification Programs in Indiana

Because the alternative certification process is complex, we have researched and provided specific school programs below for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree outside of education and want to become a teacher. We recommend you request information from one or more of these specific programs: